Loud, clear bicycle bells are essential when cycling. This is because in a noisy, fast-paced environment, they are the easiest way for others to know where you are.
That said, with so many different bike bells on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve reviewed a range of bike bells below and listed the five best road bike bells that will suit your needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| CRANE Bell Suzu Lever Strike | Best Overall |  |
| Origin8 Time Clock Bell | Budget Pick |  |
| Crane Bike Bell E-Ne Bicycle Bell | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. CRANE Bell Suzu Lever Strike
Pros:
- Safe and easy to install
- Bright and pleasant ring
- Retro designed with curved lever striker
- Elegant and durable
Cons:
- It might not be as accurate as it is shown in the pictures
- Pay attention to counterfeit products
This Crane Suzu Bell Lever Strike is one of the best bells to use if you are riding in an urban area where there are lots of potential riders and you need a bell that can be heard from a long distance. With its stylish retro design, this bell does the job for a reasonable price.
In addition, it is relatively small which is a plus as you will have a smaller chance of hitting someone or something with it as you ride.
2. Crane Bike Bell E-Ne Bicycle Bell
Pros:
- Easy handling
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Compact bell
- Bright and pleasant ring
- Rust-resistant stainless steel mount
- Versatile
Cons:
- It might be considered irritable by other road users due to its high sound level
- Does not fit 22mm OD bars
The Crane Bike Bell E-Ne is a favorite among many, and you can feel proud and inspired to ride with one of these bells on your bike. It has a stylish design, comes in a variety of colors, and more importantly, shows no signs of rusting after years of use. The sound is also praised among many users and it has been voted as being apt to be heard by elderly people.
3. Origin8 Time Clock Bell
Pros:
- An unique bell with a beautiful design
- Melodic resonant brass sound
- Made in Japan
- Comes in two colors
Cons:
- Some users complained that the bell stops ringing when tightened down on the bars
- Compatible with small diameter bars only
- Not ideal for commuters as it can't be heard from a long distance
The Origin8 Time Clock Bell is my top pick in this category because of its uniqueness. It’s made from all-metal mechanical parts and it has a unique, beautiful design.
Since this bell is made from quality materials and far exceeds the sound level of any plastic bell I’ve heard, it gives a nice touch to the whole riding experience.
4. Knog Oi Bike Bell
Pros:
- Designed to match your existing bicycle
- Comes in 4 range of colors
- It has a high-pitched ring with deep harmonic
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy mounting
- Allen key included
- Comes in 2 sizes
Cons:
- Inaudible to riders more than 8 feet away
- Minor vibrations cause the bell to make noise
This Knog Oi Bike Bell has an elegant design with two convenient sizes and four colors to choose from. It's easy to install and due to its cable management system it allows you to keep the cables in one place without hindering the performance of the bell.
5. RockBros Vintage Bell
Pros:
- Affordable bell
- Easy installation
- Retro design
- Made of steel and copper
Cons:
- Not very loud from a big distance
This bell by RockBros is a great choice for Brompton cyclists on the lookout for an inexpensive, yet quality bell. The bell mounts securely to your handlebars and is designed to provide a sound that is as clear as it is unobtrusive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do you put the bell on a bike?
Bell positions vary by bike – some are fork-mounted; others, handlebar-mounted. It just depends.
First, you need to consider whether you want a handlebar or a fork-mounted bell. Secondly, you need to have in mind if based on your riding needs, you require a loud bell or not.
But if your commute is full of loud cars, or you're looking to alert people who may be too involved in their phones to notice you, you may want to consider a bell that's more attention-grabbing.
Should bikes have bells?
Bells on bikes are usually used to give an alert that either you or the bicyclist in front of you is going to pass someone or something. It lets the person know you are coming up on their left or right side.
Some municipalities require bells for any type of vehicle, while others dont have to use a bell, even if you do.
Bike bells that are made from plastic, brass, or steel are inexpensive and can be mounted on the handlebar or seat post. Bells come in different tones along with different designs to suit any taste or bike style.
Is there a law to have a bell on your bike UK?
There are no laws or regulations regarding bike bells in the UK, so itʼs up to you to decide if one is the right addition to your bike. In the US the situation is impossible to generalize. There's no federal requirement for bells, but states and municipalities have their own rules.
However, the Highway Code does say that drivers should give cyclists enough space and time to overtake them safely, which can be difficult if you canʼt hear their approach.
Conclusion
A bell can be your best friend when you’re an avid cyclist. A good bell can help you keep your space, alert others you’re nearby, and it can even act as a theft deterrent. It’s the difference between feeling invincible on your bike and having a healthy respect for everyone else on the road. The better quality the bell, the safer you’ll feel.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| CRANE Bell Suzu Lever Strike | Best Overall | |
| Origin8 Time Clock Bell | Budget Pick | |
| Crane Bike Bell E-Ne Bicycle Bell | Upgrade Pick | |